Internatonal Woman’s Day- Bollywood Icons

9 Mar , 2018

International Woman’s Day

International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 every year. It is a focal point the movement for women’s rights. The first observance of a Women’s Day was held on February 28, 1909, in New York, March 8 was especially suggested by the 1910 International Socialist Woman’s Conference to become an “International Woman’s Day.” After women gained suffrage in Soviet Russia in 1917, March 8 became a national holiday there. The day was then predominantly celebrated by the socialist movement and communist countries until it was adopted in 1975 by the United Nations.

“Women, from time immemorial, have fought for the right of others, now it’s her time to get her rights realized and get equal participation in the society.”

“A strong woman is the one who can dare to raise her voice for the cause she believes in, and this strength lives in a corner in every woman’s heart, it just needs to be searched.”

Bollywood and Fashion have been entwined together ever since Hindi Cinema became a huge influence in India which was way back in the 1930s. Bollywood movies have a huge influence our own wardrobes. How many times have we heard a bride-to-be say, “I want a lehenga like Kareena’s in that movie!”. There is something magical about the silver screen and the actors/actresses and its influence are seen everywhere!

We are taking a trip down yesteryears of Bollywood cinema and its fashion.

The 1960s

Zeenat Aman

The term diva’ was probably best justified when Zeenat Aman’s entered the Indian film industry. Like sassiness enclosed in layers of charisma and elegance, with her entrance entered a whole new trend in Bollywood which was fashionable and chic. Even if she wore a saree on screen or off screen, it became sensuous! It was the aura of her and distinct style of carrying herself in the sheer grace that made everyone fall in love with her. Even today our young Indian actresses look up to her as a style icon.

Aman’s style was epic. She stole every show with her ever so vivacious appearance. Tinted big shades did all justice to the look she chose to wear in the film ‘’Hare Rama Hare Krishna’’ and that made all the difference.

Zeenat Aman set a fashion trend in Hindi cinema which no one ever did. Huge bindi, bright orange colored kurta, big tinted shades, winged eyeliner, neck accessorized with rudraksha beads, it all became a style statement in the late 70’s and continues to be held in high regards even today.

Her retro look and style gained immense popularity during her time. High waist flared pants matched perfectly with vibrant colored and large-collared shirts made her a trendsetter in fashion.

The 1970s

Dimple Kapadia

She first captivated the hearts of millions in her debut film, Bobby, in which she played an Anglo-Indian girl who romanced Rishi Kapoor. Dimple Kapadia’s helluva saucy retro look with a white polka-dot blouse tied just below the bust, worn with a black mini skirt – went on to become an iconic image in Bollywood fashion.

The 70s saw glamour like none other and are still called the most fashionable years of Bollywood.

The 1980s

Sridevi

The moment you hear the word Hawa Hawai and a picture of Sridevi in fruit cornucopia headgear come in your vision and not that of a tropical paradise, you know the iconic Bollywood actor’s style influence extends beyond the maneuver of a popular Bollywood ditty. From the sheer blue sari from Mr India, and the outlandish headgear in Roop ki Rani Choron ka Raja, where she wore a head-piece with almost 800 metal pieces and tons of feathers, to the white salwar kameez and chiffon saris of Chandni, the flouncy skirts of Lamhe and the Sabyasachi-styled cotton saris of English Vinglish — the list of her iconic fashion style goes on-and-on.

The 1990s

Karisma Kapoor

Long before Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, we had Karishma Kapoor ruling the fashion scene in Bollywood. She was not only the number one actress and the first option for all the directors but also, the fashion icon who had girls running to the nearest boutiques and parlors wishing to come out looking just like the queen Karisma herself! From hot pants to dungarees, from miniskirts to cargo pants, from a velvet dress to over-sized shirts she did it all. Karishma Kapoor and her style through the 90’s was a rage.

The 2000s

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

‘Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’ the name itself has become the synonym with style. Beautiful, stunning, diva, classy, ethereal, elegant, and gorgeous are just a few words to describe the lovely Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Being an actor she knows well how to grab attention. From the traditional sarees in ‘Devdas’ to new-modern age look in ‘Dhoom2’ she knows how to carry every fashion with style, ease, and panache.

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Being naturally blessed with good looks, taking in account the family she belongs to ‘The Kapoor khandaan’ which is not only the first family of Indian cinema with the best actors in the Indian film industry but also known for their good looks, she sure is an effortless diva of contemporary times. Her rosy complexion, sharp features and an hourglass figure are assets that any girl would envy, and to top it all she has an impeccable fashion sense that compliments her. She leaves everyone gaping in admiration be it her chic and stylish style statement in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, or her casual and carefree look of Jab We Met, her regular, fuss-free dressing style in Bodyguard, or her lavish dresses in Heroine escalating her position as a versatile dresser.

Priyanka Chopra

This versatile actor, known as ‘the desi girl’ by her famous song from the movie ‘Dostana’ the fashion diva Priyanka Chopra is not only winning hearts with her great talent but also with her uber-chic sense of style. Priyanka has gone from simply being the gawky pageant queen to Bollywood’s most sought-after fashion icon. She not just ruled Bollywood but now strongly making tons of fans in Hollywood as well She has been awarded India’s Best Dressed Woman by People Magazine. From her outstanding role as a model in fashion to a sexy desi girl in Dostana to her boxing role in Mary Komm and now as an FBI agent in Quantico her fans are drolling over her looks.

Sonam Kapoor

Easily the best- dressed fashion phenomenon of India Sonam Kapoor does not need any introduction when it comes to a fashion diva and style icon. Apart from her acting prowess, the vivacious actress is known for her inimitable fashion sense. She is fearless and her love for experimentation with fashion is quite evident in her outfits. Her wardrobe and the way she effortlessly styles every look for every occasion even when she is not attending any special appearances she is unbelievable. She has proudly owned the title of being the most stylish actress in the film industry. With the title comes the responsibility to justify it and Sonam has always made a point that her style statement becomes talk of the town. Not to forget her sister Rhea Kapoor plays a major role in styling her sister and make every look the talk of the town.

“A woman is like a tea bag – you never how strong she is until she gets in hot water” – Eleanor Roosevelt